Hyperthermia induced by microwave diathermy in the management of muscle and tendon injuries.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Hyperthermia induced by microwave diathermy raises the temperature of deep tissues from 41 degrees C to 45 degrees C using electromagnetic power. Microwave diathermy is used in the management of superficial tumours with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy and, recently, its use has been successfully extended to physical medicine and sports traumatology in Central and Southern Europe.

METHODS:

We searched the literature for relevant studies. Most of the published studies in these fields have used 434 and 915 microwave diathermy, as these wavelengths are most effective.

CONCLUSIONS:

The biological mechanism that regulates the relationship between the thermal dose and the healing process of soft tissues with low or high water content or with low or high blood perfusion is still under study. Microwave diathermy treatment at 434 and 915 MHz can be effective in the short-term management of musculo-skeletal injuries.